Effect of Apelin on Hepatic Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Heart Failure

Background Severe heart failure can be accompanied with liver dysfunction. The role of apelin in liver disease is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of apelin on liver dysfunction in heart failure rat model and the underlying mechanisms of this effect. Materials and Methods 39 female Wistar rats were divided into three groups 13 each; control (Intraperitoneal saline for 2 weeks, daily), Isoprenaline (ISO) (Intraperitoneal saline for 2 weeks, ISO in the last 2 days (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) and Apelin group (apelin, 15 µg/kg/day Intraperitoneal for 2 weeks and ISO in the last 2 days). Body weights, heart and liver weights, ECG record, isolated heart study and histopathological examination for both heart and liver were carried out. Serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT), liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and apelin and liver APJ receptors, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytochrome C were measured. Results Apelin decreased heart weights, shortened QRS complex as well as observed and corrected Q-T intervals, increased R voltage, peak developed tension, peak developed tension per left ventricular weights and mean coronary flow rate compared to ISO treated rats. It decreased serum levels of cTnT, ALT, AST& LDH and improved serum apelin level. Also, it enhanced the hepatic expression of APJ receptor and decreased MDA & ROS and cytochrome C in liver tissue. Conclusion Apelin had a protective role against hepatic dysfunction that accompanied heart failure through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.